Description
This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a deliciously creamy and spicy Mexican-inspired bake that combines tender shredded chicken with sweet corn, green chilies, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and bursting with flavors reminiscent of classic elote street corn.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup frozen fire-roasted corn (or regular corn)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained canned corn, frozen fire-roasted corn, and diced green chilies. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Flavor: Fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, half of the crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Mix again gently to distribute all flavors throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crushed tortilla chips if you choose to use them for an added crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with additional cilantro or a lime wedge if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Make it spicier by adding a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Serve this casserole with rice or a fresh side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure the tortilla chips you use are certified gluten-free or omit them altogether.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
